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Grade 8 to 9 Transition

Grade 9 at the HDSB

Where Your Future Begins

The move from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is a major milestone that is exciting, empowering and full of possibility. At the HDSB, we understand that starting high school is more than just a change in schedule; it's the beginning of a journey that will shape who you become, both in and beyond the classroom. We’re here to support students every step of the way with caring educators, dynamic programs and a community that’s invested in every student’s success. From building confidence to discovering passions, this is where futures begin and we can’t wait to help you take that first step.

From experiential learning opportunities to co-operative education placements, we offer a wide range of programs tailored to the diverse needs, interests and goals of our learners.

HDSB Family Livestreams

September 24: Grade 8-9 Transition Family Livestream
October 14: Advanced Placement Program Livestream

High School Information Nights

East Area – Oakville

East Area - Oakville

School	Address	Specialized Programs	Date & Time
Abbey Park High School (905) 827-4101 www.hdsb.ca/aph	1455 Glen Abbey Gate Oakville	Secondary Gifted Cluster	Thursday, Nov 13 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Garth Webb Secondary School (905) 847-6875 www.hdsb.ca/gws	2820 Westoak Trails Blvd Oakville	French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement Prep ESL Centre	Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge High School (905) 845-0012 www.hdsb.ca/irs	1123 Glenashton Drive Oakville	French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement (exams and some Grade 12 course options) ESL Centre	Thursday, Nov 13 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Oakville Trafalgar High School (905) 845-2875 www.hdsb.ca/oth	1460 Devon Road Oakville	French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement (dozens of exams and six course options over Grades 11 and 12)	Thursday, Nov 13 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
T.A. Blakelock High School (905) 827-1158 www.hdsb.ca/tab	1160 Rebecca Street Oakville	Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion I-STEM Advanced Placement Prep Grade 11 and 12 AP courses (based on student interest) Secondary Gifted Cluster	Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. I-STEM: Thursday, Oct 23, 6:30 p.m.
White Oaks Secondary School (905) 845-5200 www.hdsb.ca/wos	1330 Montclair Drive Oakville	Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster (September 2026)	Thursday, Nov 6 6 – 8 p.m. IBDP Prep: Thursday, Oct 16, 6 p.m. & 7 p.m.

North Area - Halton Hills, Georgetown, Milton

North Area – Halton Hills, Georgetown, Milton

School	Address	Specialized Programs	Date & Time
Acton District School (519) 853-2920 www.hdsb.ca/act	21 Cedar Road Acton	French Immersion Advanced Placement Prep	Thursday Oct 16 6:00-6:30 p.m. AP Presentation 7:00- 8:30 p.m. Info night includes an AP prep presentation
Craig Kielburger Secondary School (905) 878-0575 www.hdsb.ca/cks	1151 Ferguson Drive Milton	Community Pathways ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed	Thursday, Oct 30 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Elsie MacGill Secondary School (289) 878-4881 www.hdsb.ca/ems	1410 Bronte St. South Milton	Community Pathways I-STEM	Thursday, Nov 6 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. I-STEM: Thursday, Oct 23, 6:30 p.m.
Georgetown District High School (905) 877-6966 www.hdsb.ca/geo	70 Guelph Street Georgetown	Community Pathways French Immersion International Baccalaureate Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster	Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 – 8 p.m. IBDP Prep: Thursday, Oct 16, 6:30 p.m.
Milton District High School (905) 878-2839 www.hdsb.ca/mil	396 Williams Avenue Milton	Advanced Placement Prep French Immersion Secondary Gifted Cluster	Thursday, Oct 30 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

West Area - Burlington

West Area – Burlington

School	Address	Specialized Programs	Date & Time
Aldershot School (905) 637-2383 www.hdsb.ca/ald	50 Fairwood Place West Burlington	I-STEM Advanced Placement Prep	Thursday, Oct 23 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. I-STEM: Thursday, Oct 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Burlington Central High School (905) 634-7768 www.hdsb.ca/bch	1433 Baldwin Street Burlington	ESL Centre French Immersion International Baccalaureate	Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 – 8 p.m. IBDP Prep: Thursday, Oct 16, 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School (905) 332-5235 www.hdsb.ca/dfh	3040 Tim Dobbie Drive Burlington	Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement	Thursday, Nov 13 6:30 – 8 p.m.
M.M. Robinson High School (905) 335-5588 www.hdsb.ca/mmr	2425 Upper Middle Road Burlington	Community Pathways Extended French French Immersion Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster	Thursday, Nov 20 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. In person
Nelson High School (905) 637-3825 www.hdsb.ca/nel	4181 New Street Burlington	Community Pathways French Immersion Locally Developed Secondary Gifted Cluster Advanced Placement High Performance Program	Thursday, Nov 13 5:30 p.m.

Regional Information Sessions

Families are invited to attend any of the information sessions for Regional Programs.

*International Baccalaureate (IB / IBDP Prep) - October 16 (see start times below)

Burlington Central High School (6:30 pm)
Craig Kielburger Secondary School (6:30 pm)
Georgetown District High School (6:30 pm)
White Oaks Secondary School (6:00 pm and 7:00 pm); Two 30 minute sessions each

*I-STEM - October 23 (6:30 pm start for all sites)

Aldershot School
Elsie MacGill Secondary School
TA Blakelock High School

Note: IB and I-STEM applications for the 26/27 school year open October 24, 2025 and close December 2 at 11:59 pm.

2025-26 Virtual Information Sessions:

Advanced Placement Program (AP) - October 14 (7:00 pm start): Livestream Link
SHSM, OYAP, Dual Credit Programs - October 22 (7:00 pm start): Livestream Link
Locally Developed Program (LDCC) - October 29 (7:00 pm start): Livestream Link
Community Pathways Program (CPP) - November 17 (7:00 pm start): Google Meet link

Guide to Secondary School

The Halton District School Board's Guide to Secondary School is intended for all secondary students at the HDSB. The guide outlines course information, graduation requirements, Pathways Opportunities and additional learning through initiatives such as eLearning and co-operative education, athletic involvement and co-curricular activities and more.

HDSB Guide to Secondary School

When Grade 8 students graduate to high school, support is provided for the student as well as their parents from their elementary and secondary schools to make the transition is as easy as possible.

Students Can Expect

guidance visits to all elementary feeder schools
Grade 8 information evening (parent and student)
Grade 8 visits/tours
orientation to secondary school with student mentors
Grade 9 activities and events throughout the year

Parents Should

know your teenagers timetable
access school website and newsletters to get information
encourage your child to participate in school events, clubs and activities
connect with teachers at the school
encourage your child to find solutions by talking to their teacher, guidance counsellor, student success teacher, special education teacher or Principal when they need help
talk to your child about their day

What are Student Mentors?

Every secondary school has student mentors that act as role models for incoming Grade 9 students.

These mentors play a major part in planning activities for Grade 9 as they start secondary school. Students are grouped with the mentors to help them become familiar with life at high school. Events such as tours, dances, and BBQs help develop a strong sense of community for the student. Student mentors stay connected to Grade 9 students throughout the year to support academic success and community building.

Every student is encouraged to take full advantage of a wide range of activities, sports and clubs so they can experience all that high school has to offer.

Getting Ready for High School

The move from elementary or middle school up to high school is one of the biggest transitions in a student’s education. To help families feel prepared, visit the Getting ready for high school webpage on Ontario.ca to learn what to expect and how to support your child through this important step.

Here’s how this webpage can help:

Understand the changes: Learn how high school is organized, from semesters and timetables to different types of courses.
Know the requirements: Get clear information on credits, graduation requirements and pathways after high school.
See what supports exist: Find out about student success teams and other supports in place to help every student succeed.
Reduce uncertainty: Get answers to common questions so you and your child feel confident and ready for this new chapter.